This South Dakota City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers

Rapid City, tucked in the Black Hills of South Dakota, may not be the state’s most famous destination, but it quietly draws millions of visitors each year—3.8 million in 2023 alone, nearly matching the population of Croatia. While many travelers head straight for Mount Rushmore or the Crazy Horse Memorial, those who take the time to explore Rapid City will find some of South Dakota’s most underrated natural treasures. With thousands of acres of parkland, open prairies where bison roam, and miles of hiking trails through the Black Hills National Forest, this small city is a haven for the outdoors. If you are looking to escape the crowds and experience the wild beauty of the Midwest, Rapid City belongs on your list.

Parks & Green Spaces

The Rapid City parks division estimates there to be about 1,650 acres of parkland across Rapid City, meaning that there is always a park nearby. On the western edge of Rapid City, visitors will find Wilderness Park, a 28-acre park that includes amenities like a picnic area, playground, restroom, and off-leash pet area. There is also a short hiking trail that will lead visitors up to a wonderful overlook of the city. Halley Park is a more centrally located park to visit, spanning 4 acres and featuring a beautiful collection of formal gardens, rose gardens, and a Veteran’s memorial. The Pap Madison Cabin is also in the park, dating back to 1876, making it the city’s oldest known structure.

Families who visit Rapid City in the summer should make sure to add Storybook Island to their itinerary. This magical park, open from May 24th through September 1st, features over 50 interactive exhibits and play sets, along with amusement rides like a train and carousel. There is also a gift shop and ice cream shop for those who get hungry! The best part? The park admission is free.

If you are a golfer, the Rapid City area offers several courses perfect for an afternoon on the fairway. The Golf Club at Red Rock, which is frequently ranked as one of the top public golf courses in the state, is a fantastic option. The course is extremely scenic, surrounded by towering pines and native grasses, and promises a fun afternoon with features like dramatic elevation changes and bunkers.

Hiking and Walking Trails

Located in the eastern Black Hills, the hiking trails that surround Rapid City are gorgeous. If you are seeking a trail that is close to town, consider hiking the Buzzard’s Roost Trailhead. About a 15-minute drive from downtown Rapid City, this trail is a 3.3-mile loop with various sites that overlook the lush Black Hills National Forest.

Travelers who enjoy history will love the Flume Trail, which will take them back in time to South Dakota’s 19th-century mining era, with much of the trail following a former flume bed used by the mines. Although this trail stretches 12.4 miles in total, there are various loops that offer different sights. Along the Spring Creek Loop, for example, travelers will be able to venture through historic tunnels near the scenic Sheridan Lake.

The Black Elk Peak Trail, roughly 50 minutes from Rapid City, requires a longer drive but is well worth the trip. This trail leads to the highest natural peak in South Dakota, which towers at 7,242 feet tall. While several trails lead to the peak, one of the most popular is Trail #9, a moderately challenging, 6.4-mile loop that begins near Sylvan Lake. Upon reaching the summit, hikers will be greeted by incredible views of the Black Elk Wilderness, which they can view from a stone lookout tower that sits at the top.

Water-Based Recreation

Whether you want to go fishing, kayaking, or paddle boating, you’ll find the perfect spot on the water in Rapid City. In the city’s southwestern corner, travelers will find the historic Canyon Lake Park. As one of the city’s oldest parks, it dates back to around the 1890s and spans 29 acres. In addition to having a picnic near the lake, travelers can enjoy an afternoon fishing on the fishing bridge or renting a paddle boat to explore the water.

Traveling a half hour from town, visitors can reach Sheridan Lake, a 375-acre lake in the Black Hills National Forest that is a haven for fishing. Anglers can reel in a variety of fish, including trout, perch, northern pike, and bass. Along the lake’s northern shore, the lake features the largest swimming beach in the national forest, along with a marina and large boat launch. Fishing piers are found around various points of the lake’s shores as well.

The Pactola Reservoir, meanwhile, sits about a half hour west of Rapid City and is the Black Hills’ largest and deepest reservoir. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular ways to enjoy the lake. If you need a rental, consider booking a tour with Black Hills Adventure Tours, which provides a guided experience and all the necessary equipment for a day on the water.

Wildlife & Birdwatching

The lakes and forests of the Black Hills create the perfect habitat for South Dakota’s native bird species. If you choose to spend the day kayaking at the Pactola Reservoir, make sure to keep your eye out for some of the bird species that inhabit the land. Depending on the time of year, the lake, pine forest, aspen groves, and marshes provide the ideal home to species like bald eagles, osprey, Western Grebe, Eared Grebe, Northern Goshawk, and Western Wood-Pewee, among many other species.

Travelers, however, do not need to leave the Rapid City limits to spot some incredible bird species nearby. In Canyon Lake Park, for example, the Belted Kingfisher, Barn Swallow, Rough-winged Swallow, tree swallow, and Violet-green Swallow are a few of the species that can be found in the lake, marshes, and coniferous and deciduous forests.

Beyond its diverse birdlife, the Black Hills are home to native mammals like bison, elk, and antelope. Custer State Park, just a half-hour south of Rapid City, is one of the best places to see these majestic animals. Visitors might also spot bighorn sheep and even a few donkeys along the way!

Final Thoughts

If you are craving a quieter trip this year that will allow you to connect with nature, Rapid City is a great place to add to your itinerary. Not only are there numerous lakes near the small city, but it is also a great access point to visit various sites in the Black Hills National Forest. It additionally offers the opportunity to spot some of the region’s most iconic wildlife, like elk, antelope, and bison. So don’t be afraid to step off the well-traveled path this year and discover the true beauty of Rapid City!